BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details.
‘The Christmas Pickle’ is a holiday tradition every family will love
If you’ve spotted pickle ornaments in stores this holiday season and wondered who on earth is decorating their tree with a salty deli snack, this article is for you. Christmas pickles are a holiday tradition for many families — and one you might want to adopt, especially if you have kids.
The tradition goes like this: On Christmas Eve, parents put a pickle ornament on the family Christmas tree. On Christmas morning, the first child to find the pickle gets to open the first gift, receives a special present or gets to hand out the gifts to other family members to open.
Why a Christmas pickle ornament?
Where the tradition came from is a little bit of a mystery. The Christmas pickle was originally called Weihnachtsgurke, a German word, which suggests it originated there. But modern Germans don’t follow this custom, so that’s unlikely. While many pickle ornaments are made in Germany, they are exported to other countries.
Another theory is that Woolworth’s, an old, now-defunct chain of five-and-dime stores, started importing the pickle ornaments in the late 1800s and made up the story to help boost their sales in the U.S. Now, the tradition seems most popular in the midwest region of the U.S., particularly in Michigan, where there is a large population of people of German descent.
No matter how pickle ornaments became popular, this tradition is likely to be a hit with your kids. A pickle ornament can also be a great gift to someone to help them start this fun tradition with their family.
Christmas pickle ornaments to start your new family holiday tradition
Westmon Works Christmas Pickle Ornament
This handpainted ornament includes a card with the “Legend of the Pickle” written on it, making it a great gift.
Westmon Works Little Glass Gherkin Pickle Ornament
This tiny glass pickle ornament is smaller than most, making it harder to find in your tree — great for older kids or those who need a challenge on Christmas morning.
Holiday Traditions 2-Piece Exclusive Christmas Pickle and Decorated Glass Jar Hanging Ornament
This two-piece set includes a pickle ornament but also a bonus: a pickle jar with the story of the Christmas Pickle written on it.
Favor Parts German Christmas Pickle Ornament
This ornament comes in a beautiful gift box with the Christmas pickle tradition written inside as a poem — perfect for giving to friends and family.
Kurt S. Adler Noble Gems “Merry Christmas” Pickle Glass Ornament
This cute pickle ornament is dressed in a hat and scarf for extra-festive fun.
Shappy 6 Set Christmas Pickle Ornament
If you plan to give pickle ornaments as gifts, this set of six is a great option. Each one comes with its own gift box.
An “I found the pickle” shirt is a perfect gift for whoever is first to find the pickle ornament in your family.
Dill Pickle-Flavor Candy Canes
Need a special treat for the pickle finder? These dill pickle-flavored candy canes are sure to hit the spot — and give the whole family a laugh.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.